Top Taliban commander "captured in Pakistan"

Euronews

A top Taliban military commander has been arrested in Pakistan, according to US officials – a claim denied by the Taliban itself.

The Americans say Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar was taken in a joint secret raid by Pakistani and US intelligence forces. They have confirmed a report in the New York Times saying that he was captured in the southern city of Karachi several days ago.

Baradar is said to be ranked number two in the Taliban and is described as a close associate of al Qaeda leader Osama bin laden.

But the Taliban insists its commander is still in Afghanistan actively organising the group’s operations.